NFL

NFL

FILE - A general view during the second rugby union test between Australia and the British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, in Melbourne, Australia, July 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, File)

NFL eager for future Australia games, not worried about potential stadium scheduling conflict in ’27

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 9:23 PM CDT

The Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers will meet at the famed Melbourne Cricket Ground next week in what the NFL intends to be the first of many regular-season games in front of its growing Australian fan base.

The league also is determined to play those games at Australia's biggest stadium during the first week of the NFL's regular season — even with a major scheduling problem obstructing that goal in 2027.

The 100,000-seat MCG could be unavailable to the NFL at this time next year because it will be occupied by the Australian Football League postseason, which begins in early September. The AFL accommodated the NFL this year, but doesn't intend to do the same in 2027, according to Australian media reports.

Without going into details, NFL executive vice president Peter O'Reilly downplayed the potential for disruption caused by this scheduling conflict during a conference call Wednesday to highlight the league's upcoming Australian debut.

Advertisement

Advertise With Us

Weather

Sep. 3, 12 PM: 25°c Windy Sep. 3, 6 PM: 25°c Cloudy with wind

Winnipeg MB

14°C, Clear

Full Forecast

NFL

FILE - Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) works out during the team's NFL football training camp, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough,File)

Ravens GM says team is still waiting on NFL investigation of Rashod Bateman’s arrest

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Ravens GM says team is still waiting on NFL investigation of Rashod Bateman’s arrest

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 6:56 PM CDT

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta says the team is still waiting on the NFL's investigation into receiver Rashod Bateman's arrest earlier this offseason.

“In these matters we just really kind of sit back and wait for the league and for the authorities to kind of tell us what’s going on,” DeCosta said. “Have no indication how long that’s going to take.”

Bateman was taken into custody in June in Georgia on suspicion of family violence battery and reckless conduct, both misdemeanors, and criminal damage to property, a felony.

“It’s obviously something that we’re very disappointed about, that we have to deal with these kind of things right now,” DeCosta said. “We knew about it right away, we contacted the league right away. Spoke to the league, the league has been doing an investigation.”

Read
Yesterday at 6:56 PM CDT

NFL

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates his toucdown against the Arizona Cardinals with teammates, including wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) and offensive tackle Kolton Miller (74), during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Las Vegas Stadium Authority approves $75 million for upgrades to 6-year-old Allegiant Stadium

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Las Vegas Stadium Authority approves $75 million for upgrades to 6-year-old Allegiant Stadium

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 6:48 PM CDT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Las Vegas Stadium Authority approved $75 million in public funds Wednesday toward a $158 million upgrade to ease the path into the north entrance at Allegiant Stadium.

The Las Vegas Raiders will pay for the rest of the project at the 65,000-seat stadium, which opened in 2020 at a cost of $2 billion.

“Allegiant Stadium is a critical community asset,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “It is driving tourism right now more than ever at a time we need to drive tourism. We all know that the tourism drives the economy. Keeping that stadium at its current level is a high priority for all of us. It is the requirement and the law, but it's very important for our community.”

Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan attended the Stadium Authority meeting, but did not address the board. She also did not speak to The Associated Press afterward.

Read
Yesterday at 6:48 PM CDT

NFL

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) warms up with teammates during a joint NFL football practice with the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Eagles hope changes on offense lead to another run to the Super Bowl

Aaron Bracy, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Eagles hope changes on offense lead to another run to the Super Bowl

Aaron Bracy, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 6:11 PM CDT

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (11-7)

Expectations

Behind a record-breaking season from running back Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles featured a rush-heavy offense on the way to the franchise’s second Super Bowl victory in the 2024 season. But the ground game went stagnant last season, and quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown could not make enough explosive plays to avoid a frustrating season that ended with a disappointing wild-card round playoff exit. The result? Changes on offense, both in terms of personnel, coaches and scheme.

Brown, often unhappy with his role last season as seen with his public comments and posts on social media, was traded to New England. Fired offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was replaced with Sean Mannion. Philadelphia also parted ways with longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. Coach Nick Sirianni has repeatedly spoken about the need for explosive plays, something the new offense is said to feature, but Mannion’s scheme remains a bit of a mystery following a vanilla approach in three preseason games that did not feature Hurts, Barkley, Smith, and many other regulars. Philadelphia’s offense will be different. Time will tell if it will be better.

Read
Yesterday at 6:11 PM CDT

NFL

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws during practice at the NFL football team's training camp, in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Lions expected to bounce back in NFC North after falling short of expectations last season

Larry Lage, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Lions expected to bounce back in NFC North after falling short of expectations last season

Larry Lage, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 5:24 PM CDT

DETROIT (AP) — DETROIT LIONS (9-8)

Expectations

The Lions hope to win the NFC North for the third time in four years. They have what looks like a favorable schedule and potentially, one of the NFL's top offenses. Detroit is determined to bounce back in coach Dan Campbell's sixth season after falling short last season. The Lions started 4-1 only to finish barely over .500 and miss the playoffs. QB Jared Goff, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, TE Sam LaPorta and OT Penei Sewell infuse a lot of talent into the offense, but how the retooled line plays will be pivotal. Edge Aidan Hutchinson and LB Jack Campbell lead a defense that will have to rely on the front seven to stop the run and pressure QBs so that they don't pick apart a banged-up secondary.

New faces

Read
Yesterday at 5:24 PM CDT

NFL

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III (10) throws against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Joe Milton rejoins Cowboys on practice squad after losing backup QB job to Sam Howell

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Joe Milton rejoins Cowboys on practice squad after losing backup QB job to Sam Howell

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 5:20 PM CDT

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Quarterback Joe Milton rejoined the Dallas Cowboys on the practice squad Wednesday after losing his backup job to offseason pickup Sam Howell.

Milton was waived Monday, a day before coach Brian Schottenheimer said the nod to be the No. 2 behind Dak Prescott went to Howell because of his overall command of the offense.

“We looked at the whole body of work,” Schottenheimer said. “We just felt like Sam had done a little bit more just in terms of executing the offense in certain areas.”

Milton backed up Prescott in 2025, his second year in the league after the Cowboys acquired him in a trade with New England. The 26-year-old was much better in the preseason this summer than a year ago, throwing for 378 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Read
Yesterday at 5:20 PM CDT

NFL

Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Guyton (60) celebrates on the sideline after a two-point conversion against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

The Cowboys are getting preseason buzz again. One handicapper says this time feels different

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

The Cowboys are getting preseason buzz again. One handicapper says this time feels different

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 5:08 PM CDT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — No NFL team receives more hype on a regular basis than the Dallas Cowboys, at least in relation to their lack of success over the past three decades.

So it's not a shock there is some preseason commentary that the Cowboys could be in line for a strong season.

Longtime handicapper Bruce Marshall is one of those who argue this season is indeed different, saying the NFC East shapes up well for “America's Team” as well the New York Giants under new coach John Harbaugh.

Philadelphia won the division at 11-6 last season while the Cowboys (7-9-1) and Giants (4-13) struggled.

Read
Yesterday at 5:08 PM CDT

NFL

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye smiles prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Patriots should be back in the AFC mix, but a brutal schedule awaits after Super Bowl run

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Patriots should be back in the AFC mix, but a brutal schedule awaits after Super Bowl run

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 4:49 PM CDT

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (17-4)

Expectations

When Mike Vrabel became the eighth head coach in NFL history to lead his team to the Super Bowl in his first season, it accelerated the timeline to get the franchise back on track following the failed one-year coaching tenure of Jerod Mayo.

Despite an offseason for Vrabel that included him seeking counseling after numerous photos were published of him with longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini, on the field Vrabel’s culture is now in place.

Read
Yesterday at 4:49 PM CDT

NFL

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza leaves the field after an NFL preseason football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza brings new era to Las Vegas Raiders

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza brings new era to Las Vegas Raiders

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 4:25 PM CDT

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (3-14)

Expectations

The presence of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza has provided something new for this once-proud organization that has gone more than two decades without a playoff victory — hope. Whether Mendoza, the top pick in this year's draft after winning the Heisman Trophy and taking Indiana to the national championship, actually delivers is another question. So is when he gets that chance. The Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins, who will start the season and could serve as a bridge. Cousins and first-year coach Klint Kubiak will oversee a team with key players in tight end Brock Bowers, running back Ashton Jeanty and center Tyler Linderbaum, but also with a multiple number of major questions expected for a team that won seven combined games over the past two seasons. The same could be said of a defense that features edge rusher Maxx Crosby and cornerback Eric Stokes, but no one is confusing the Raiders for the 1985 Bears. Given a schedule that includes an early stretch of games against potential Super Bowl contenders Kansas City, New England, Buffalo and the Los Angeles Rams, the Raiders could find themselves deep in the standings by November. But few were expecting Las Vegas to be any kind of contender this season anyway, and the Raiders likely will have trouble getting out of the basement of the talented AFC West. General manager John Spytek has said this isn't a one-year turnaround, but if the Raiders show improvement as the season progresses and Mendoza looks indeed like the quarterback of the future, that could be considered a success.

New faces

Read
Yesterday at 4:25 PM CDT

NFL

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, left, talks with quarterback Taylen Green during warmsup before a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Browns still searching for long-term answer at QB with Watson selected as starter

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Browns still searching for long-term answer at QB with Watson selected as starter

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 4:00 PM CDT

CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-12)

Expectations

New coach, same instability at quarterback. Coach Todd Monken will go with Deshaun Watson under center for the Sept. 13 opener at Jacksonville despite the 10-year veteran being 9-10 as the Browns starter since the team traded three first-round picks to Houston in 2022. Shedeur Sanders could be the starter at some point this season, but the offense remains a work in progress. All five starters on the offensive line are new while rookie receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston will look to bolster the passing attack. The defense should be solid despite trading reigning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Pass rusher Jared Verse — acquired by the Browns for Garrett — has continued to impress.

New faces

Read
Yesterday at 4:00 PM CDT

NFL

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles speaks after an NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Revamped Buccaneers are favorites to win weak NFC South after a late-season collapse in 2025

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Revamped Buccaneers are favorites to win weak NFC South after a late-season collapse in 2025

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 3:33 PM CDT

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (8-9)

Expectations

With head coach Todd Bowles on the hot seat, it’s a make-or-break season for the direction of the team. Baker Mayfield didn’t get the contract extension he wanted and made it clear he felt “disrespected” by the organization so he’s going to be determined to prove he’s worth franchise quarterback money. Zac Robinson is Mayfield’s fourth offensive coordinator in four seasons in Tampa Bay. The Bucs collapsed in 2025 following a 6-2 start so pressure is on to get back to the playoffs after seeing their streak of division titles snapped at four. General manager Jason Licht didn’t make major splashes but rebuilt the roster with several key additions led by rookie edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. With longtime veterans Mike Evans and Lavonte David gone, new leaders have to emerge. It’s Mayfield’s team and the Buccaneers are going to go as far as he can take them. In a weak NFC South that had Carolina win the division with a losing record, Mayfield and the Bucs are the favorites.

New faces

Read
Yesterday at 3:33 PM CDT

NFL

FILE - Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) walk on the field before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Nov. 25, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, FIle)

Justin Tucker among group that works out for Jets as New York evaluates kickers

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Justin Tucker among group that works out for Jets as New York evaluates kickers

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:37 PM CDT

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Five-time All-Pro Justin Tucker was among a group of kickers who worked out Wednesday for the New York Jets, who enter the season with some questions at the position.

Michael Badgley and Joshua Karty also were at the team's facility, according to the NFL's transactions wire.

The 36-year-old Tucker hasn’t kicked since the 2024 season after Baltimore released him in May 2025, months after reports that he was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by massage therapists. He was suspended for 10 games by the NFL, but Tucker has maintained he did not act inappropriately while receiving professional treatment.

New York claimed Blake Grupe off waivers from Indianapolis on Monday and released Jason Sanders, who beat out Cade York for the job. Sanders appeared headed toward being the Jets' kicker in Week 1 but was wide left on an extra point and short on a 54-yard field-goal attempt in the preseason finale against the Giants last Friday night. Sanders was later re-signed to the practice squad.

Read
Updated: Yesterday at 4:37 PM CDT

NFL

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough gestures during an NFL football joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Saints see themselves as contenders in the tepid NFC South thanks to stability at QB and on defense

Brett Martel, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Saints see themselves as contenders in the tepid NFC South thanks to stability at QB and on defense

Brett Martel, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 3:13 PM CDT

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (6-11)

Expectations

After a dismal 1-8 start under new coach Kellen Moore, the Saints won five of their final eight games, with then-rookie quarterback Tyler Shough under center, to provide a measure of hope and encouragement heading into the offseason. While the Saints are not expected to be Super Bowl contenders, they could very well contend for a playoff spot because of how they stack up against the rest of the NFC South. Carolina won the division last season with an 8-9 record, just two games better than New Orleans. The Saints hope Shough, who went 5-4 in nine starts last season, is able to make considerable strides after his first full NFL offseason as a projected starter. Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis also have made several key roster changes designed to upgrade the offense with veteran additions on the offensive line (David Edwards) and at running back (Travis Etienne). Meanwhile, a defense that played well last season has been largely stable under second-year coordinator Brandon Staley. If the Saints can raise their level of play even moderately over last season, there's a chance they could begin their climb back to relevance after missing the playoffs for the past five seasons.

New faces

Read
Yesterday at 3:13 PM CDT

NFL

Year 3 for Jayden Daniels could be crucial for both his future and Washington’s

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 3:04 PM CDT

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (5-12)

Expectations

After plummeting from an NFC title game berth to a five-win season, the Commanders will certainly hope for a return to the playoffs. Beyond wins and losses, it's important for quarterback Jayden Daniels to have a solid, healthy season to dismiss comparisons to Robert Griffin III, another Washington quarterback who had a great rookie year that was ultimately too good to be true. The problem for the Commanders is that the line being counted on to keep Daniels upright is already having problems. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil went down with a triceps injury. Nick Allegretti seemed as if he might be the choice at center after veteran Tyler Biadasz was released, but Allegretti has been dealing with a calf injury during camp. Dan Quinn is back for his third season as coach, but the offensive and defensive coordinators are both different — David Blough and Daronte Jones took over those roles.

New faces

NFL

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson trains during a joint NFL football practice with the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Ravens expect to be back in contention in Jesse Minter’s first season as coach

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Ravens expect to be back in contention in Jesse Minter’s first season as coach

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:51 PM CDT

BALTIMORE RAVENS (8-9)

Expectations

The Ravens were considered Super Bowl contenders entering last season. Then everything that could go wrong seemed to. Lamar Jackson dealt with an early injury and wasn't all that great even when he returned. The defense wasn't good enough, and when Baltimore still had a chance to win the division despite all that, rookie Tyler Loop missed a last-second kick in a loss at Pittsburgh in the finale. For the first time in 19 seasons, John Harbaugh won't be on the sidelines this season in Baltimore. Jesse Minter has replaced him as coach, and with Jackson, Derrick Henry, Kyle Hamilton and plenty of other key players back, a return to the playoffs will be the bare minimum requirement for a successful season. Unlike last year, when the beginning of Baltimore's schedule was loaded, the Ravens won't face a 2025 playoff team until Week 8. So the opportunity is there to put last season behind them pretty quickly.

New faces

Read
Yesterday at 2:51 PM CDT

NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, NY., Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

A new era in Pittsburgh: Mike McCarthy takes over as Steelers run it back

Will Graves, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

A new era in Pittsburgh: Mike McCarthy takes over as Steelers run it back

Will Graves, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 2:43 PM CDT

PITTSBURGH (AP) — PITTSBURGH STEELERS (10-8)

Expectations

The head coach may have changed in Pittsburgh, with Mike McCarthy taking over after Mike Tomlin stepped down in January following a 19-year run, but the standard remains the standard to borrow one of Tomlin's pet phrases. The Steelers managed to win their first AFC North title since 2020 in Tomlin's final year, but the season ended as so many have for the past decade: with a lopsided playoff loss. Yet rather than blow it up, the Steelers have opted to largely run it back. While most of the coaching staff is new, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has returned for his 22nd and — he says — final NFL season. Pittsburgh upgraded the wide receiver group, acquiring Michael Pittman and selecting Germie Bernard in the second round of the draft. Rico Dowdle joins Jaylen Warren in the backfield, though they will play behind an offensive line that didn't exactly assert itself during the preseason. The team will be defined, once again, by a defense that includes seeming ageless defensive tackle Cam Heyward (37) and outside linebacker T.J. Watt. McCarthy, at 62, was not hired to build, but to win now. If he doesn't, the good vibes from the Pittsburgh native's homecoming will fade quickly.

New faces

Read
Yesterday at 2:43 PM CDT

LOAD MORE NFL ARTICLES